Under the vampire Lord's protection-Chapter 148: Representing hope

Both Liriel and Floriel clutched at Arabella’s neck who continuously reassured them that everything was going to be alright.

Behind them, the vampires weren’t doing any better, hesitating to take every step. The gears that turned behind their eyes spun at such a high speed that Arabella could’ve sworn her ears caught the wincing of their wheels.

Little by little however, the cave came into view. That same cavern the young woman had snuck through in order to cross the border and be where she stood right on that day.

"The first half of the tunnel is quite harmless but after that, no night walker can step ahead as it is gorged with traps even humans may not survive," Arabella stopped before its entrance.

She guided them all inside until the large boulder that separated the safe tract from the rigged one.

"Here we are. It lies behind this rock," her finger pointed towards it, her gaze snapped around only to discover every night walker’s hands were clasped around their noses and mouths.

One of the human men was ordered to approach the barrier and shine light around the crack that allowed the winds to whistle through.

"I believe removing the boulder is unnecessary," Liriel had barely been able to speak due to the concentrated Yuniper wafting from the tunnel.

"This one is simple enough," Lord Dragomir finally made his voice heard, "We deal with it exactly the same way we dealt with the tunnels we’ve sealed right after the war,"

"I second the suggestion," One of the Ladies that still hadn’t introduced herself by name to Arabella spoke up.

"It is settled then," Silas cleared his throat, "Let us go out in the open, there are great risks this cave will collapse when we attempt to seal it,"

Once under the moon again, all eyes fell on Arabella, or so she thought. In reality they’d been staring at Liriel and Floriel who sighed and flapped their wings for the first time since they’d sat upon Arabella.

They nestled into one witch’s hands each, Floriel landing on Calistro’s palms while Liriel went on to stand on Ethendras’ open hands.

"Are we all ready?" Calistro’s voice, although vibrated in the lower ranges was quite warm.

"I believe we are," the response came from Liriel.

The four of them were given space to face the opening of the cavern. They shut their eyes simultaneously and only seconds after that, the witches’ lips began to move, mouthing whispers that never reached Arabella’s ears.

Very shortly after that, the fairies sprang into action, both inhaling deeply, raising their hands towards their mouths before blowing all of the air out the way it came.

What followed entranced Arabella as their exhale was not invisible like a natural one would be but very much the opposite.

White, glowing and continuous rays escaped their little lips and extended towards the caverns.

The instant that bright veil touched the entrance, the ground beneath all of their feet began rumbling and shifting, lightly at first but gaining in strength as the trembles went on before dying down again.

Arabella hadn’t even realized the manner in which she’d clutched at Silas’ arm for balance. The young woman straightened her stance and took her own hands back off him.

At first glance, there was nothing. Not much was noticeable from where she stood. Aside from the waves and layers of dust exiting the cave in irregular puffs.

Arabella kept her tongue still in her mouth and looked at Silas for confirmation.

"It is done then," it was Lord Dragomir who walked forward, closer to her and uttered those words.

"Well, off we go to the second on the list then," Lord Foy turned around.

Following him were the rest except for Silas and Lord Dragomir who stood each on one side from Arabella.

"Would you mind it if I escorted the young Lady back to the horses?" the smirk that Darick Dragomir had on overshadowed every other expression he may have been trying to display.

Although Silas did not seem the happiest about it, he still nodded and walked right behind them as Arabella wrapped her arm around Dragomir’s.

There was silence in the beginning, but then Darick decided he’d had enough and broke it, "How are you feeling then?" he softened his voice to the best of his ability.

"Quite alright," she chuckled nervously.

"Your heart tells a different story," he said, eyes ahead, "But I suppose I can’t blame you for feeling a certain way now, Can I?" he marked a pause, during which Arabella merely waited for the rest of it to come, "After all, we’ve just sealed the path that brought you here. That must be hard on you,"

"Not as hard as I thought it would be," her vocal cords had finally untwined, "From where I stood, it was as though nothing had happened,"

"True," his eyes snapped onto her, prompting her to look away immediately, "Seeing something with your own eyes does warrant a special sense of... Well, I wouldn’t say doom, but if I am not mistaken, that tunnel meant something to you. It represented hope. I am merely concerned for you that is all,"

Unlike Silas, Arabella needed no advanced senses to read Dragomir in order to confirm his words were lies. He held no concern for her as in many cases, words alone weren’t enough to convey an emotion.

"Well, on the bright side," he spoke again, "At least you know that the way back is much simpler than the trip that led you far from home,"

"This is her home, now, Dragomir," Liriel who’d had to hear every bit of their conversation decided to participate.

"Come now, Liriel! Of course, there will always be a place for her in Umbraria should she wish to come back!"

It was clear that Lord Dragomir sought to break from the monotonous tone that plagued his utterances, but his efforts failed him in that second.

Moreover, it was funny coming from him. To speak of coming back with such certainty as though it was a given when the very opposite was more likely to take place.

Should the prince or her father lay a hand on her, there would no longer be a life worth living.

It would all be over.